Page 152 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sardinia

150  SARDINIA AREA B Y AREA

6 The Maddalena Archipelago

Seven islands (Maddalena, Caprera and Santo Stefano to the
south east, Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria to the northwest)
make up the Arcipelago della Maddalena. Beyond lie the Straits of
Bonifacio, which became a marine reserve of international status at
the beginning of 1997. Rugged, jagged coasts, rocks hewn by wind
and water erosion, and tenacious maquis vegetation characterize this
group of islands, known during the Roman period as Cuniculariae,
or “rabbit islands”. In the 18th century Maddalena was used as a
military base – a convenient landing place, it lay in a strategically
important position. A tour of the island would be incomplete Razzoli Santa
without a visit to Caprera, to see the places where the Italian Maria
hero Giuseppe Garibaldi lived and is buried.

Budelli

Budelli
Cactus grows on the Spargi
shores of this island,
popular with divers.

La Maddalena

Spargi
Uninhabited, like Budelli, Razzoli
and Santa Maria, this island has
marvellously clear water and
secluded beaches, making it
an ideal site for swimmers,
snorkellers and scuba divers.

KEY
1 A scenic route of just over
20 km (12 miles) runs around
the island, providing magnificent
views of the archipelago, Corsica
and the four Corsican islands
of Lavezzi.
2 Guardia Vecchia is the highest
mountain on the island. The Savoy
rulers chose it as the site for the
fort of San Vittorio, which is
now occupied by a lighthouse.
3 The bridge over Passo
della Moneta was constructed
in 1891 to link the islands
of Maddalena and Caprera. Regattas
4 Monte Teialone is the highest The west wind, an almost constant presence in the
point on Caprera. Maddalena archipelago, makes this a popular place
for yachting competitions.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp178–9 and p189

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